Global Alliances for Local Change

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This is the website of The ‘Sustainable Cities: Global Alliances for Local Change’ Summer School of the UCL Global Citizenship Programme. Read more about our programme below, or have a look at the work of our seven actor groups.

Sustainable Cities: Global Alliances for Local Change

Global Alliances for Local change revolves around a two-week simulation taking place in an informal settlement in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Students take a specific role from a set of actors, including groups of slum dwellers, NGOs, local government, local and central government, private sector organizations, or external donors and foreign investors. In role, students are guided through a process of negotiation and the development of strategic alliances in a hotly debate contest over the future development of the city.

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Breaking News!

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Mixed feelings resounded throughout the city of Dar es Salaam today as the local city government unveiled its flagship ‘Harbour of Dreams’ proposal. Rumoured to have been in the pipeline for the past two years, the recently unveiled plan for the redevelopment of Tanzania’s most important port has sent shockwaves through the informal settlement of Kurasini.

Referring to the proposed expanded footprint of the port, Charles Kiybo, a local fisherman whose family has lived in the Kurasini area for generations, has proclaimed the plan ‘no good’. “Look at these maps! This new port is designed directly where my house is! Where am I supposed to move to after this? How will I make a living if I lose my networks? I am very afraid for my family, and the loss of my home.”

Other citizens however, have met the proposal with great anticipation, greeting the influx of investment with approval. Said one resident, “80% of Dar es Salaam is informal! It is unacceptable that as citizens we don’t have access to our basic rights to water or sanitation! The city needs development!”

Internationally, foreign investors have been lining up to indicate interest in being a part of the new developmental activities that the Harbour of Dreams plan claims to bring to the city. Meanwhile, international organizations such as Human Rights Watch, UN-Habitat, and local NGOs have indicated that they will be closely monitoring the situation for evidence of forced evictions and resettlement.

While the plan was developed by the city of Dar es Salaam government, claiming to be in line with the National Vision of the Tanzanian National government, it is unclear how the district-level government of Temeke, where the port is located, will respond. Traditionally, elected officials from Temeke have had a closer mandate to the will of the residents of this area, and thus may feel pressure if residents of affected neighbourhoods such as Kurasini protest the plan’s implementation. Meanwhile, the National Government has not yet issued a statement.

How will people in the city and beyond respond to the big promises of the Harbour of Dreams proposal? Only time will tell….